F.C. Copenhagen sign Dominik Kotarski from PAOK F.C.
F.C. Copenhagen are delighted to announce the signing of Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski, who joins the club from Greek side PAOK F.C. from Thessaloniki on a 5-year contract.
The 25-year-old keeper has in recent seasons distinguished himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Greek top flight, and he received his football education at both Dinamo Zagreb and Ajax.
Kotarski has experience in European competition, having played several matches in European group games for PAOK and won the Greek championship with the club.
He has also made his debut for the Croatian A-national team, where he is listed for two matches, and he has previously played over 50 youth internationals for Croatia.
Sune Smith-Nielsen: A strong and trained goalkeeper
FCK sports director Sune Smith-Nielsen says of the signing: "Dominik is a goalkeeper with a really strong foundation.
“He has a good education from Dinamo Zagreb and Ajax, and this has given him a strong technical and tactical base. He has also performed well in both national leagues and European tournaments.
“He knows how to play under great pressure, and in clubs with high demands, and therefore we believe that he fits well in the F.C. Copenhagen environment.
“We are getting a keeper who can deliver here and now, and who still has the potential to develop further.”
Neestrup: A modern goalkeeper with composure and range
Head coach Jacob Neestrup emphasises Kotarski’s playing qualities, saying: ”Dominik is a modern goalkeeper. He is quick to react when facing shots from short distances and good in one-on-one situations.
“Furthermore, he is a keeper with good composure in playing with the ball, which can therefore also help us offensively.
“Dominik is used to playing under pressure and in hectic conditions, and he has already played many important games in his career.
“He knows what it means to play for a winning club, and I look forward to adding not only Dominik’s playing qualities, but also his strong character.
“The latter, we know, is absolutely crucial to becoming a great goalkeeper for F.C. Copenhagen, and I have great faith that Dominik can become just that.”
Kotarski: Ready for the next step at Scandinavia’s biggest club
Kotarski himself is looking forward to continuing his career in Copenhagen.
”I am really happy to be here. F.C. Copenhagen are Scandinavia’s biggest club, and this is a big step in my career,” he says.
“I have followed the club and seen how they play with ambition both in the league and in Europe, and I will do everything to contribute to new successes.
“I have had good conversations with the club and I can feel that this is the right next step for me. Now I am looking forward to getting started, meeting the fans and showing what I stand for.”
Shirt number 42
Kotarski will wear shirt number 42, but this may change when the transfer window closes. Jonathan Moalem, who currently wears the number 42 shirt, will now wear number 29 and will keep it regardless.